Problem-focused coping in HIV-infected mothers in relation to self-efficacy, uncertainty, social support, and psychological distress.

A preliminary investigation of relationships among perceived self-efficacy, uncertainty, social support, psychological distress, and problem-focused coping was conducted in a convenience sample of 41 HIV-infected mothers. The mothers represented 93% of the clients in a large HIV clinic in 1992 who met the study criteria. Support was found for using Lazarus and Folkman's stress, appraisal, and coping framework to understand the health-related needs of HIV-infected mothers. Maternal coping was related to living with one's children and their HIV-status. The feasibility of studying this population of women was demonstrated. Findings suggest the need for exploration of family-focused interventions.